threadbare
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
European allies might join the U.S. in defending the Strait, but their navies are already threadbare.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026
"The farmers are the poorest people in Ivory Coast," he added, showing his threadbare clothes.
From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026
Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, dismissed the referral as “three pages of stale, threadbare allegations.”
From Salon • Sep. 17, 2025
He was being used as an emergency striker with Isak an outcast, so how can Howe contemplate a sale when resources are now so threadbare?
From BBC • Aug. 25, 2025
She saw that she was inadequately dressed against the raw November day in a threadbare cotton dress, ragged little sweater and thin cotton stockings.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
Vocabulary lists containing threadbare
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Great Gatsby
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
List 4
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
